The Best Spots For A Picnic In NSW

Gather outdoors at these top places for a picnic around Sydney and NSW.

Make the most of the sunshine by gathering on a patch of grass with family and friends. From pretty gardens with ponds to parks with playgrounds and waterfront sites, here are some of the most perfect spots for a picnic around NSW. We’ve also included inspiration for picking up provisions.

SYDNEY

Centennial Parklands

Where: Moore Park, Sydney

Why: There is more than 189 hectares of open space to choose from at Centennial Gardens, which includes wetlands, sporting fields, formal gardens and wide avenues looped with lanes for cycling and rollerblading. Make the most of your elongated evenings in this large urban park which is a haven for residents of the Eastern Suburbs.

There are plenty of places to picnic in Centennial Parklands.

Provisions: Fine food fanatics should pop into Gourmet Life in Darling Point to pick up everything from caviar and camel milk chocolate to fresh truffles, olives, pickles and prosciutto. You can order a sweet or savoury hamper from Gourmet Life with a French or Italian accent and request a bottle of Aziza’s Rose by Harkham Wines be included. The brand new Aussie drinks brand Gin O’Clock would also be a great accompaniment to any picnic. The tasty tipple comes in three flavours: Pink Gin & Soda, Sugar Free G&T and Timeless G&T, and are available for purchase in handy, pre-mixed cans at Dan Murphys and BWS.

Gin O'Clock pink gin & soda — Gin O’Clock Pink Gin & Soda packs make a great picnic accompaniment.

Alternatively, Fromage Sydney will deliver a cheese and deli box right to the centre of your picnic rug. Paired wines are available on request.

Como Pleasure Grounds

Where: 2A Cremona Road, Como, Sydney

Why: This outdoor park was built on a rocky peninsula near to the railway line in 1886 to encourage Sydneysiders to get out and about. The park has since evolved to include a playground, picnic tables and BBQs as well as a bike track and path that loops around the leafy promontory. Como Pleasure Grounds has panoramic views over the Georges River and surrounding bushland and features tidal baths, too.

Como Pleasure Grounds has panoramic views of Shire bushland.

Provisions: Head to Rudi’s in Gymea to pick up some artisan-style gourmet sausages, to the nearby Grate Cheese Co. for a Pot Luck Cheese Box, and to Thoroughbread bakery for some fresh paninis and Pepe Saya salted butter.

Alternatively, take your picnic game up a notch and order a platter from Sydney’s game-changing fresh seafood delivery service FishMe! You can choose from a range of ready-to-eat seafood platters, sashimi platters, oysters, fish, octopus and squid – and it’s guaranteed to be fresh as they source all their seafood direct from the seafood suppliers.

FishMe Seafood Sharing Platter Sydney — FishMe Seafood Sharing Platter is a game-changing seafood delivery service in Sydney.

Bradfield Park

Where: Kirribilli, Sydney

Why: Wendy’s Secret Garden is not such a secret these days. And while the Lavender Bay park is always worth a look-in, we highly recommend nearby Bradfield Park, in Kirribilli, which is bracketed by the sandstone pillars of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The park slopes down to the Sydney foreshore and loops around to Luna Park so there’s eye candy all around.

Eat among the sandstone pillars of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Provisions: After claiming a patch of prime waterfront picnic space, call in a delivery from Steve Costi’s Seafood Online Store , which could include lobsters, prawns and oysters or ready-made meals such as seafood lasagne and fish pie. The Botanist Kirribilli is also set to reopen selling picnic packs comprising Australian native olives, crackers, apricot marmalade, poached pears, semi-dried Roma tomatoes, and a selection of chocolate strawberries and marmalade.

Davidson Park

Where: Forestville, Sydney

Why: Stake out a section of grass on the banks of the beautiful Middle Harbour Creek in Forestville. The pretty harbourside park is popular with families playing rounds of French cricket or Frisbee, and to those dedicated to exploring Sydney’s waterways by canoe or kayak as there’s a boat ramp near the picnic grounds

Provisions: Head to Chargrill Charlies to pick up provisions for an old-school feast of charcoal chicken and grab-and-go salads and onto Ganache Patisserie to procure a loaf of pain Parisien and some almond croissants. You can also order ahead from Aplenty , a Sydney-based catering company that curates Mediterranean-inspired feasts.

Aplenty curates Mediterranean-inspired feasts.

SOUTH COAST NSW

Rotary Park, Narooma

Where: Riverside Drive, Narooma, NSW South Coast

Why: You can leave your picnic hamper at home, outsource the catering and have it delivered to this pretty park, located on the banks of Wagonga Inlet in Narooma. The park is a five-minute walk to the much-Instagrammed Australia Rock, a favourite spot to watch seals basking on the rocks below and has a shaded picnic area with tables.

Australia Rock captures a spectacular ocean view.

Provisions: Book an e-bike with Southbound Escapes and zip around Narooma to pick up fish and chips from The Inlet, cocktails from the Quarterdeck (both now owned by hotelier Justin Hemmes). Southbound Escapes can also curate a posh pop-up picnic for you replete with a grazing platter from Mr Bold Catering .

Cupitt’s Estate

Where: 58 Washburton Rd, Ulladulla, NSW South Coast

Why: Unfurl your red-checked picnic blanket and lay it out on the manicured lawns around Cupitt’s Estate , a working farm that includes a brewery, fromagerie and winery on site. Enjoy your al fresco feast on the grass and then wander around the sprawling kitchen garden where the farm-to-fork philosophy will become part of your love-in at Cupitt’s.

Provisions: Visit the cellar door at Cupitt’s Estate to pick up a bottle of barbera; Cupitt’s Estate Craft Brewery for a few cans of Mollymook Pale Ale and Uludulla IPA, and the Cupitt’s Estate Fromagerie for a round of washed-rind cheese from the fromagerie.

Cupitts Estate picnic — Pick up some picnic fodder from the estate.

CENTRAL COAST NSW

Killcare and Hardys Bay, Central Coast NSW

Where: Stretch your legs along the Bouddi Coastal Walk before finding a spot to sit and settle in for sunset in a peaceful pocket at Hardys Bay. You will find a BBQ picnic area at the north end of the beach, which backs onto Bouddi National Park.

Provisions: Although it feels compulsory to want to improve your picnic game, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Keep it simple by stocking your hamper full of picnic provisions such as bread, preserves, cured meats and tarts from The Fat Goose at Killcare. You can also pick up a Spanish salami pizza from The View Pizza or Peking duck spring rolls and crispy fried eggplant to go from The Lucky Bee .

Pokolbin Hill Picnic Park

Where: Cnr Debeyers Rd and McDonalds Rd, Hunter Valley

Why: Curated picnics have taken off around the world. And it’s not all about the eating and drinking. Pokolbin Picnic Co. also find beautiful locations for lazy picnics that are predicted to become a low-fi highlight on all our social calendars. A few semillons in, while you’re surrounded by vineyards, you may well be convinced to move to the country.

Provisions: Pokolbin Picnic Co. brings a bit of life to picnic parties around Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley with beautiful blankets, pillows, baskets that will level up your picnic. The fabulous picnic hampers include platters of fruit and cheese and wine as well as local olives, salads, dried fruit and sweet treats such as brownies.

Fabulous picnic hampers from Polkobin Picnic Co.

NORTH COAST NSW

Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head

Where: Northern end of Pacific Parade

Why: This tea-tree stained dunal lake is set on 118 hectares of coastal land minutes from national parks and rainforests near Lennox Head. The freshwater lagoon is hugely popular with locals who like to swan around on their inflatable flamingos, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks in the mineral-rich waters of the lake, known for its rejuvenating properties.

Provisions: Order some seeded croissants from Suffolk Bakery , an antipasto board from Quattro Beachfront Italian in Lennox Head, or a Lavish Lunch Hamper from Harvest NewryBar.

Clarrie Hall Dam, The Tweed

Where: Upstream from Uki

Why: Clarrie Hall Dam is located in mountainous terrain on Doon Doon Creek, a tributary of the Tweed River, and upstream from the charming hinterland village of Uki. The recreational area is one you will want to explore in full: while fishos flock here in the hope they will hook a decent-sized bass to cook on one of the electric barbecues, the park is also a draw for birdwatchers and paddleboarders. The peaceful spot, which boasts beautiful views back over Wollumbin/Mt Warning, has picnic tables and toilets, too.

Provisions: If you want a DIY hamper: pick up some pies from Uki Pies ; fill the thermos with black coffee from Bastion Lane Espresso ; labna from Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses ; and sourdough from Wollumbin Street Bakery . Blue Ginger Picnics on Water has also partnered with Tweed Escapes to pull together a picnic on water where visitors can cruise along the Tweed to get a taste of the NSW North Coast.

A delicious spread of 100% local and seasonal produce.

CENTRAL WEST NSW

Orange, NSW

Where: Secret garden in an orchard

Why: Have you been putting off a marriage proposal? Call Country Food Trails to come to the rescue and tailor a Secret Garden Picnic set in beautiful, exclusive local gardens in Orange, in the NSW’s Central West. A proposal picnic is a particularly lovely notion in the springtime during cherry blossom season.

Provisions: A vintage Moroccan rug, napkins and cutlery, plates, glasses, cushions and catering are all included in a Proposal Picnic curated by Country Food Trails . You can also sway your sweetheart to accept your proposal by booking a bespoke tour with Crooked Compass and arriving to Orange by private plane. Plan B is a Printhie Picnic set amid the vines embroidered onto the earth around Printhie Wines’ estate.

Family-owned Printhie Wines provides the perfect picnic backdrop.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

The best spots for a picnic around NSW